Scoot cancels 20 flights from Singapore to Shenyang and Qingdao

SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines' long-haul budget airline subsidiary Scoot has cancelled some 20 flights from Singapore to Shenyang and Qingdao, citing regulatory approval problems.

All flights to both destinations between 27 November this year and 8 January next year are affected as the airline has not been able to obtain all the necessary regulatory approvals for the routes.

Scoot had indicated on the flights selection page on its website and in the passengers' flight itineraries that the flights are subject to regulatory approval.

A Scoot spokesperson contacted said that it is standard practice for airlines to launch destinations and sell fares even before getting regulatory approval.

The airline declined to say how many passengers were affected.

Channel NewsAsia understands however that each Boeing 777-200 can seat 402 people.

Scoot's fleet currently comprises four Boeing 777-200s.

Affected passengers will have to make alternative travel arrangements.

Currently, Scoot tickets for flights from Singapore to Shenyang and Qingdao after 8 January next year are still available for sale.

However, these flights are still subject to regulatory approval.

SOURCE

Usually in aviation terms, selling the eggs before getting the hen is a common practice but this time Scoot has been caught in between with the failure to get regulatory approval from the Chinese authorities on time to get the flights going.

This should not have happened since I believe Scoot has timed the schedule properly to prevent such an incident which will hurt its reputation. Somewhere somehow must have been delayed which resulted in this problem cropping up and passengers being left disappointed. Hopefully there won't be further delays and flight cancellations or else Scoot will be kicking themselves in the foot.